World Cup Best Bets - June 27 - Group I

In arguably the clash of the final round of games, Norway are looking to hand France their first defeat at the tournament as they aim to take their place at the top of Group I. A pair of wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) has seen Norway impress going forward. Admittedly, they have not been great at the back, conceding three times and failing to keep a clean sheet. However, with Erling Haaland firing in front of goal, Norway will back themselves to beat most sides. Across their last four in all competitions, Norway have failed to keep a clean sheet whilst winning three times and drawing once. France arrive as the favourites, but I predict that Norway will give them a real game. Norway to win/draw in the double chance market provides good odds considering the strength of their side, and I back them to make a major statement in this match. 

Senegal have been competitive in each of their opening World Cup games, but they have been beaten by two teams that are simply better than them. Their 3-1 loss to France saw Senegal threaten, but they struggled to make inroads as their 95th minute goal gave them brief hope of victory before France scored in the 96th minute to go 3-1 up. Against Norway, it took until the 53rd minute for Senegal to score as they made it 2-1. However, Erling Haaland scored his second of the day five minutes later, with this rendering Senegal's 93rd minute effort meaningless as they slumped to a 3-2 defeat. Their two defeats means they have no points and a goal difference of -3. If they are to have any chance of securing a spot as a best third-placed side, they will likely need to win by at least three goals, although this may still not be enough.